‘In the best interest’ – CFP announces major changes to college football schedule after lop-sided end to 2024 season

THE College Football Playoff will undergo a major change for the 2025 season.Big changes to the 12-team format were confirmed Thursday night after an underwhelming end to last year.GettyThe CFP announced big changes to the seeding rules for 2025[/caption]GettyNotre Dame will be eligible for a first-round bye under the new rules[/caption]The seeding model has been revisited for this upcoming season.The CFP committee announced that the 12 teams will be seeded in order that they are ranked in a straight format.Last year the seeding system was contingent on conference championships.The top-four teams will still receive a first-round bye in the new format.Last year the four teams that earned a bye were the four highest-ranked conference champions.One team hugely affected by the 2024 rules were Notre Dame.The school are independent and not in a conference, meaning they were ineligible for a bye.Notre Dame couldve been ranked in the top four teams in the nation, but the highest seed they couldve earned was No.

5.They finished as the seventh seed but still made it all the way to the National Championship Game.This years rules mean the Fighting Irish can have a first-round bye straight into the quarterfinals.

The five highest-ranked conference champions are still guaranteed a spot in the playoffs.After evaluating the first year of the 12-team Playoff, the CFP management committee felt it was in the best interest of the game to make this adjustment, CFP executive director Rich Clark said.This change will continue to allow guaranteed access to the Playoff by rewarding teams for winning their conference championship.But it will also allow us to construct a postseason bracket that recognizes the best performance on the field during the entire regular season.Last year the first round before Christmas proved to be underwhelming.The teams ranked fifth to eighth all had a home playoff game.And they all ran out convincing winners over the sides from ninth to 12th.And the top four teams that earned first-round byes all lost in the quarterfinals.That included a win for seventh seed Notre Dame against No.

2 seed Georgia.ACC commissioner Jim Phillips told ESPN, We all have a responsibility to serve our constituents while also being mindful as to whats best for college football.Todays decision was done in the best interest of the sport.

It may not always benefit the ACC, but it was the right decision and thats a responsibility I take very seriously..

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